1860 Army cap issue

[wogpotter]

Option "B"

If they misfire on the first strike & then fire on the second they are too small. (the first hammer strike drives them onto the nipple enough for the second to ignite them.)

If they fall off no matter what you do then they are too big. (You can pinch them to make a better fit but there is some discussion on whether this increases the chance for multiple chamber ignition or chain-firing)

 

[mike in nc]

Wogpotter

thanks for the info, that is good to know, actually had that happen last time I was on the range. misfire on the first strike that is, did not happen the first time I fired the gun with the same caps, I will have to check to make sure I have all the fouling off the nipples

 

[Hardy]

I wouldn't use #10 caps on a Pietta. Try Remington 11. But, I have found that these Italy made guns aren't always perfect. The wedge is too tight. And that can cause rotation problems. Also, the frame channel where hammer flows through to hit nipple is sometimes rough causing drag. I know a lot of you guys will disagree but I file my channels on new guns so hammer doesnt catch. I pull back hammer w/ trigger held and feel for roughness in the channel holding hand. If it feels rough then polish. If you know a good gunsmith and afraid to do so $40 +/- will save you that grief. And if you take your gun down to to all parts, you better know what you are doing

 

[Hardy]

Wait-maybe I got to ahead in this post. Sorry. But gettin back to bluin flaking, I've never seen that happen unless folks tried to redo them. I know I have never been successful in rebluin a barrel using all kinds of different chemicals and processess. There is always a flaw--rust lines and the bluin comin off. DANG IT But I also meant to say as far as roughness in the hammer channel and roughness in the hammer hand channel when polished and slicked down always helped me shoot these with better action and little jamming. And ballestol mix is the best.